Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to achieve or maintain an erect penis adequate for sexual function. It is one of the most common sexual problems for men, and the likelihood of having ED increases with age.

There are several medication options for men with erectile dysfunction. All treat the inability to achieve or maintain an erection. They work by relaxing smooth muscle tissue in the penis to allow better blood flow. Before taking this medication, talk to a urologist. It’s important to rule out a physical cause first.

For men with erectile dysfunction who cannot or do not want medication, vacuum devices or injections are available. There also is penile implant surgery. Surgeons replace the spongy tissue inside the penis with rigid, semi-rigid or inflatable cylinders.

Testicular Conditions

If you are a male and experiencing pain in the scrotum or testicle, then it might be epididymitis, orchitis or a combination of the two. Our urologists can diagnose your condition and treat you.

Epididymitis—Inflammation of the epididymis—the coiled tube that collects sperm from the testicle and passes it on to the vas deferens. It is caused by a bacterial infection and is usually treated with antibiotics. It can become chronic. On rare occasions, the epididymis is surgically removed, leaving the testicle in place.
Orchitis—Inflammation of the testicle. It almost always comes on suddenly and subsides with treatment. It can result from epididymis or from mumps after puberty and is often treated with antibiotics.

Testicular torsion is an emergency condition that occurs when testicles become twisted, cutting off their blood supply. Our surgeons untwist the testicles, manually if possible, and surgically, if necessary.

Fertility

Infertility is a common yet complex problem affecting about 15 percent of couples trying to conceive a baby. In up to half the couples, the problem is at least partly related to the man.

The treatment for male infertility depends on the specific problem. Many times there are a mix of medications, surgical approaches and assisted reproductive techniques available to overcome many of the underlying fertility problems. If these techniques fail, our urologists can refer men to our reproductive endocrinologist and infertility experts. Please be aware no treatment is available in some severe cases.

Vasectomies

Many men choose a vasectomy as a means of contraception. Our surgeons perform vasectomies and vasectomy reversal:

Vasectomy—A minor surgery performed by cutting the vas deferens, the small tube that carries sperm from the testicles.
No-scalpel vasectomy—A puncture incision (instead of a cut) made with special forceps. The puncture incision does not require suturing.
Vasectomy reversal—The tubes are reconnected to restore fertility. The success of this procedure varies due to many factors, including how much time has passed since the vasectomy.

Need Help? Call 610-402-CARE (8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday) to talk to nurses and other experts who can help you find a doctor and more.

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This page last updated 10/28/08 03:40 PM

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LVH Info Line: 610-402-CARE
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Lehigh Valley Hospital has campuses in Allentown and Bethlehem, Pa. and serves the Pennsylvania communities of Easton, Doylestown, Quakertown, Hazelton, Lehighton, Perkasie, Pottstown, Pottsville, Reading, Scranton, Wilkes Barre, Stroudsburg, and the Poconos and also Phillipsburg and Flemington, N.J., and western New Jersey. You don't have to travel to Philadelphia or New York for quality health care.